More Light & More Power For Electricity Corporation: Minister Says

“There is definitely more ‘light’ at the end of the tunnel,” Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Mark Vanterpool said as he announced that the Phase V Power Development Project undertaken by the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) will meet its December deadline.

In a statement made in the House of Assembly on 23 June, Hon. Vanterpool explained the importance of the Phase V development noting that the project upon completion will add three engines generating a total of 26.7MW of power to the central BVI Grid.

“…The three engines have already been manufactured. Officials from the BVIEC visited the Manufacturer’s facility to witness the factory acceptance testing for the first two engines in November 2015 and in April 2016 for the last engine. Madam Speaker, the engines are now ready for shipment and are expected to arrive in the BVI mid-August 2016,” Hon. Vanterpool disclosed. “[Phase V] will also connect the Pockwood Pond Power Station to the facility in Long Bush, using an alternate route via the Paul Wattley Drive. Madam Speaker, this BVIEC Phase V Development Programme remains on track to be completed by the end of 2016,” he noted.

The Communications and Works Minister also informed the House that the four engine beds are now completed and the steel frame structure is now being erected. He also mentioned that the floor space for the control room has also been completed with most of the equipment now on site or en-route to BVI.

“…new cables have been installed between Pockwood Pond and the Long Bush facility for the Package B Transmission Contract, and works to extend the Long Bush substation will soon begin to accommodate the new switchgear to facilitate cable termination,” the Minister added.